Helpful Job Resource Blog

Unexpected Interview Questions that Reveal a Lot about a Candidate

Apr 19, 2019 |

Job-Seekers, |

Mitchell Riley |

Number of Comments: 0

Preparing in advance alleviates some of the anxiety and nervousness that comes with interviews. A quick search on the internet will give candidates a list of popular interview questions to practice answering but good interviewers are usually one step ahead.

Every single question in an interview should reveal something of value about the candidate. Seasoned interviewers will have narrowed down some unexpected questions that reveal a lot more about a candidate.

Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Where do you see yourself a year from now?

This may not be the most original interview question but it’s definitely a good one.

The purpose of the question is to assess a candidate’s level of self-belief and confidence. When candidates answer this without fumbling, it shows that they’re self-aware and know what they want from the future.

This question is especially handy when interviewing candidates for managerial positions where they’re expected to make major decisions on the job.

Confident people aren’t fazed by unexpected questions; they won’t shy away from sharing their ambitions—even if they’re far-fetched.

2. What’s one thing you like about your current manager? And what’s one thing you would want to change about them?

It’s no secret that bad-mouthing your current employer reflects poorly on interviewees and should be avoided at all costs. This question isn’t an opportunity to talk badly about your boss, it’s just helps the interviewer understand the kind of work environment you’re looking for and how to communicate with you effectively.

The candidate’s answer to this question shares how well they work in a team and possible problems they may face.

3. How would your boss describe you? And how would your best friend describe you?

It’s a strange question to ask but it tells a lot about a candidate’s passion for their career. Usually candidates speak about their personal lives with a lot more enthusiasm than their careers; they’re excited when discussing their best friend.

Unfortunately, candidates don’t always talk about their careers with so much gusto.

If you’re looking for a candidate that is self-driven and genuinely passionate about the job, then asking this question will help you single them out!

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